Key Difference Between SAAS vs Cloud
This article compares SaaS with Cloud. The ultimate of computing, cloud computing, was created when networks, storage, and processing power advanced. Cloud is a standardized paradigm that offers on-demand network access to shared computer resources and emphasizes online data management, storage, and processing.
Software as a Service (SaaS) is one of three cloud delivery models. It is a pay-per-use on-demand service installed on software provider PCs and available online.
SAAS vs Cloud Comparison Table
Let’s compare SaaS and Cloud Computing aspects in a table:
| Aspect | SaaS | Cloud Computing |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Software delivered over the internet as a service. | Broad term referring to the delivery of computing services over the internet. |
| Deployment Model | Part of the cloud computing model but specifically refers to software applications. | Encompasses a range of services, including infrastructure, platform, and software. |
| Service Delivery | Provides software applications as a service accessible over the internet. | Offers a variety of services, including infrastructure, platforms, and software, delivered over the internet. |
| User Access | Users access software through a web browser. | Users can access a variety of computing resources and services, including applications, through the internet. |
| Examples | Google Workspace, Salesforce, Dropbox. | Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Platform (GCP). |
| Infrastructure Ownership | Service provider owns and manages the entire infrastructure. | Infrastructure ownership varies; it can be owned by the organization, a third-party provider, or a combination of both. |
| Scalability | Easily scalable, as the provider manages infrastructure resources. | Scalability depends on the specific cloud service used, but generally offers scalability options. |
| Pricing Model | Typically subscription-based pricing. | Various pricing models, including pay-as-you-go, subscription, and reserved instances. |
| Maintenance | Provider handles maintenance, updates, and support. | Responsibility for maintenance, updates, and support varies depending on the cloud service model. |
| Customization | Limited customization options compared to on-premises solutions. | Allows for more customization, especially in Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) and Platform as a Service (PaaS) models. |
| Use Cases | Ideal for businesses needing access to specific software applications without managing infrastructure. | Suitable for a wide range of use cases, including hosting applications, storage, and development platforms. |
| Security | Security is a shared responsibility between the provider and the customer. | Security responsibility varies; providers implement security measures, but customers must secure their applications and data. |
| Accessibility | Requires a reliable internet connection for access. | Requires a reliable internet connection for access to cloud services. |
| Data Storage and Management | Data is stored and managed by the SaaS provider. | Data storage and management depend on the cloud service model, with options for storage services and databases. |
| Deployment Time | Quick deployment as the infrastructure is managed by the provider. | Deployment time varies depending on the chosen cloud service and the complexity of the infrastructure. |
| Compliance | Compliance considerations depend on the SaaS provider’s certifications and standards. | Cloud providers may offer compliance certifications, and compliance is a shared responsibility. |
| Examples of Cloud Services | Amazon EC2 (IaaS), Azure App Service (PaaS), Google Cloud Storage (SaaS). | Amazon S3 (Object Storage), Google Cloud BigQuery (Big Data Analytics), Azure Machine Learning (Machine Learning). |
| Managed Services | Fully managed services by the SaaS provider. | Cloud services can include fully managed, partially managed, or unmanaged options. |